Englishmen consider themselves the trustees for India and Condition they have reduced our country

IAS Mains General Studies Sample Answers

"Many Englishmen honestly consider themselves the trustees for India and yet to what a condition they have reduced our country."

This statement shows that the Britishers have exploited India economically for the benefit of Britain. The rule of British has reduced Indian economic condition to a worse situation. The theory of 'whiteman's burden', if critically analysed led to nothing, but turmoil and further problems in the native society. It may be that some benefits may have occurred due to west's achievement in science & technology but overall these were more oriented towards Britain's advantage.

Above said statement is very similar to 'Drain of wealth' theory of Dada Bhai Naoroji. As for the idea of trusteeship, there could be sited many examples of benevolent Englishmen. However these were of the nature of paternalistic despotism, and not a matter of equality and rights. Nehru took the side of peasants and found the trusteeship idea impractical for the solutions to plight of the peasants and labour, and denounced Gandhi's pet idea for 'trusteeship'.

Gandhi believed in trusteeship theory. According to that theory, British government was trustee of people of India and so it should government India in such a way as may result in most beneficial to India. But this theory was proved wrong as it could clearly be seen that Britishers have not acted in good faith for India's benefit.

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